Tours/Bologna/Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings
Viator · group up to 25 pax

Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings

4.9(110)Bologna1 hour
VIATOR4.9(48)TRIPADVISOR4.9(62)

Description

A mix of art masterpieces, history, food stories, legends and secrets described by a local art lover with a great experience and knowledge of the city. Most of people get attracted by Bologna main concept "the learned, the red and , the fat," but this incredible huge medieval capital tends to hide itself, keeping its best atmospheres historical locations, and hidden gems for a handful of curious explorers. So...be my explorers for a 3/4 hours full immersion in the ancient city, a labyrith of little alleys, and be prepared for an overwhelming experience where art history, architecture, medieval, renaisance, and baroqe heritage seem to merge while traditions, great food and history of music seem to be no more sepatrated by conceptual barriers. You will discover how the porticoes are not just an example of specific architectural heritage (recognized by the UNESCO) but are instead mainly components of an open-air musem of sculpture and paimtings.

Tour Options

Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings

Itinerary

20 min

Old medieval buildings of the main square, the four "speaking" corners, secrets of the textile market, the renaissance fountain of Neptune, the facade with the old clock of the Council Palace.

30 min

The noble rooms at first and second floor, the frescos, the private chapel of the bishop, the big stairs for horses by Bramante, the room of the seniors, the earthquake's virgin by Francesco Francia.

Admission included35 min

The biggest sundial in the world, the medieval frescos of Cappella Bolognini, the four ancient crosses, Parmigianino and Lorenzo Costa famous paintings.

Admission included30 min

The headquarter of the oldest university in Europe, the renaissance palace with its huge collection of coats of arms, the witnesses of the secret powerful medecine, the wooden anatomical theatre, the Stabat Mater room with precious books such as Leonardo Da Vinci's "Flights of the birds" and the long hall for books and ancient codes.

20 min

The labirinth of the middle age market, its stalls, old food shops, ancient coats of arms and witnesses of the guilds.

40 min

In a single complex of churches the whole history of Bologna, since a Roman temple on a natural spring up to the Dante Alighieri's cloister surrounded by the cells of the monks and the capitals headed by animals faces.

Admission included20 min

The terracotta masterpiece sculptured in 1470 by Niccolò Dell'Arca and its incredible avanguardist interpretation of movements and emotions.

Pass by

A great view from street level of the symbol of Bologna: the 98 meters tall Asinelli Tower and the leaining one Garisenda Tower.

10 min

A rare example of medieval canals designed to supply silk and hemp textiles manifacture (UNESCO HERITAGE)

Pass by

An incredible surving exapmle of a 13th century house, maintaining its original WOODEN PILLARS

10 min

Beautiful renaissance amd baroque ceilings, frescoes, sculptures, Bramante staircases for horsemen

Highlights

All Fees and Taxes

What's included

Included
All Fees and Taxes

Traveller Ratings

4.9
110 reviews
5
105
4
3
3
1
2
0
1
1

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(110)

C
Cara_W
May 24, 2026
Not unloved but understated monument to time.

The must do to appreciate Bologna’s untouched continuously lived in History. The terra cotta city is so amazing and well loved in its preservation of time and place. THANK YOU 🙏🏻

F
Fraser M
April 12, 2026
Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide

Ricardo Bracchi is a fount of knowledge across a wide range of topics: history, food, art, architecture and more. He also loves Bologna and enjoys sharing it.

C
Chris_S
November 5, 2025
Ricardo was excellent...

Ricardo was excellent with his detailed explanations of the sites. His passion was a bonus. ……………………..

A
Andrew_D
November 4, 2025
Medieval Bologna

Great way to learn about the medieval history of this very interesting city The guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his subject We had a very instructive morning exploring the city

P
Paul_S
September 22, 2025
Riccardo obvously has a...

Riccardo obvously has a wealth of knowledge about the area and did a great job in presenting it in an engaging and informative way. He customized the tour to match my interests and even made several suggestions on additional places to visit the next day. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone who is interested in learning more about the art and history of Bologna!

R
Rose_F
September 11, 2025
Fantastic tour

What a great tour and Riccardo is so knowledgeable. We highly recommend this tour. So much to learn and see. Bolognas history is underrated. Thank you Riccardo for your dedication

S
SfrecciaO
August 19, 2025
Thanks Riccardo!

An amazing guide for those who want to know Bologna, its history, art and why not, even its cuisine. He showed a great passion for his city and a great love for his work knowing how to involve and tell without ever being boring. Recommended!

N
Nax2
August 19, 2025
Bologna wonderful!

Thanks to Riccardo we discovered wonderful corners of Bologna, which no one had been able to recommend in the previous days of stay. It was incredibly engaging and helpful even with our little girl, who was able to appreciate so much art, culture but also legends and stories about the secrets of Bologna. Highly recommended tour, even for culinary advice... and you know that we Italians on food expect a lot!

J
JANINE D
May 20, 2025
Enthusiastic and passionate guide

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, enthusiastic and passionate about the history. We highly recommend this guide if you want to hear and see the historical wonders of Bologna.

C
Cheryl_C
May 19, 2025
I gained a deeper...

We gained a deeper appreciation for Bologna, its beauty and history. We discovered outstanding art and architecture throughout the city. Ricardo is a passionate ambassador of his city and shared his knowledge generously.

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